Talk to any stylist about conditioning your hair, and most will tell you, that although it’s important, you should go light on product—only applying from mid shaft down to ends. Conditioned hair is stronger, yes, but heavy formulas will weigh down the hair and make styling almost impossible.

While these statements are fact, they focus on only one part of the equation—the hair. What about the scalp?

“The scalp needs hydration regularly to be healthy and maintain an optimal environment for your hair follicles,” says Clear Scalp & Hair Dermatologist Dr. Francesca Fusco. “When not properly hydrated, the scalp can become dry, flakey, itchy and tight. Scalps that become extremely dry can become inflamed and this can lead to hair loss.”

Think about it. The scalp is skin. If you were bald, would you moisturize your scalp? (My boyfriend, who happens to be bald, moisturizes, layers on SPF and even exfoliates his scalp.) “I believe you should condition your scalp every time you shampoo,” says Dr. Fusco. “Just as you should moisturize every time you wash your skin. It is most important during cold winter months when the dry environment contributes to dry scalp.”

Just like you shouldn’t shampoo everyday, you shouldn’t condition everyday either. Natural oils, which are stripped every time you cleanse, condition the scalp just like they hydrate the face. Conditioner, like a facial moisturizer, is a helping hand when natural sebum isn’t enough. However, if your hair has excessive oil, washing and conditioning only a few times a week will suffice. “It’s important to get your scalp clean because that is where the oil comes from, without stripping all of the natural oils that your scalp and hair need,” says dermatologist and scalp expert Rebecca Kazin, MD. Less cleansing allows your skin to do its natural job of conditioning.

When you absolutely need to condition the scalp—when you color your hair. “Conditioning the scalp should be done when the hair is over processed and needs the moisture and reconstructive qualities can bring to fragile, lightened hair,” says Brian Brady, a stylist at Boston-based G2O Spa + Salon.

Fusco agrees, advising her patients to condition the night before a coloring appointment. “A well hydrated scalp will sting less and tolerate chemicals better.”

So how do we combat the effects these conditioning agents do have on the hair? Those with thick or coarse hair need not worry. “It can be applied all over because this type of hair is normally dry and thick so you would need a heavier, thick conditioner to add moisture where it’s lacking,” says Brady. Those with fine hair are the ones who need to do a little testing.

To find a conditioner that won’t weigh down hair, first look for any formula that doesn’t include silicone. Yes, they add shine and reduce frizz, but this conditioning agent is extra heavy. Plus, it requires sulfates to be washed out, a chemical all hair types should steer clear of.

Then what should you look for? Dr. Fusco recommends oils such as omega 3,6, and 9 as well as stearic acid and sunflower oil. While you can slather these on individual for a DIY cocktail of sorts, Dr. Fusco swears by Clear Scalp & Hair Active Damage Resist ($5.99, clearhaircare.com) which contains all three. Drybar Happy Hour Weightless Conditioner ($23) has a similar light consistency, with sunflower oil and additional hydrating root oils.

“Instead of a creamy conditioner, consider switching to a spray-on formula or mist to avoid buildup,” says Dr. Kazin. “In some cases, you can dilute the conditioner you are using with water, shake the bottle so it gets mixed up like a cocktail, and it will be thinner and more suitable for your hair type.” Natu Hair Care Volumizing Mist ($15) is infused with water, flower extract and light-weight peptides so the scalp and hair are hydrated and strengthened with little buildup.

]]>http://dailymakeover.com/how-to-condition-hair/feed/0conditioner smshannonfarrellyconditioner10 Healthy Desserts You’ll Lovehttp://dailymakeover.com/healthy-desserts/
http://dailymakeover.com/healthy-desserts/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 17:00:15 +0000http://dailymakeover.com/?p=716250]]>Common wisdom tells us that if you want to be healthy and fit, cutting dessert out of your life completely is par for the course. We’re happy to tell you that is completely untrue: you can have your cake and be healthy, too—so long as you’re smart about that dessert in the first place.

But finding healthy desserts that also taste amazing can be a bit of an uphill struggle…until now. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most glorious, easiest to make desserts that are not only good, but good FOR you. Your sweet tooth will thank us for sure.

]]>http://dailymakeover.com/healthy-desserts/feed/0fruit tart smalleconnellThe 10 Best Travel-Sized Products at Sephorahttp://dailymakeover.com/travel-sized-sephora/
http://dailymakeover.com/travel-sized-sephora/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 16:30:32 +0000http://dailymakeover.com/?p=716261]]>If you’ve ever been to Sephora and been totally overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The sheer volume of products is hard enough to navigate, and then there’s also the fear of wasting your money on an expensive product that doesn’t work out. That’s why you should never leave Sephora (or your favourite beauty store) without checking out the travel-sized section. Not only are these mini products great for (duh) traveling, but they’re also ideal for trying something out before committing to the full size.

But what to get? Allow us to help you narrow it down. Here are 10 of the best travel-sized beauty products Sephora has to offer.

There’s no shortage of lipsticks available on the shoppable market, but that doesn’t mean we don’t feel like making our own from time to time. Formulating your own DIY lipstick is just downright fun, from the cooking process to getting to use your very own homemade product. You can customize the color to your liking, and use your favorite oils and bases to create a lipstick you really love—and, better still, that nobody else has. Try one or all of these five DIY lipstick methods, and be prepared to make extra for your friends once they catch sight of your one-of-a-kind color.

CrayonsYes, this is a thing—and a fairly popular one, at that. If the color exists in crayon form, it can be made into a lipstick. How’s that for options? Standard Crayola crayons are, in fact, non-toxic, which makes sense when you think about it: Their primary audience is children, and children tend to put things in their mouths. They’re made entirely of paraffin wax, so melting them down is a simple process that results in lots of pigment. After peeling the label off your crayon of choice, use a butter knife to slice it into small pieces, which will help the wax to melt faster. Place your crayon in a small glass bowl with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Bring a few inches of water in a pot to a low boil, then put the glass bowl in so it rests atop the water. Use a chopstick or other small stirrer to stir and blend the crayon with the oils. Once it’s completely melted and blended, turn off your stove and use a heat-proof glove to remove the glass bowl from the water. Pour your mixture into your container of choice, then allow to sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before use.

Pure PigmentsUsing non-toxic powdered artist pigments is one of the easiest ways to create a DIY lipstick color to your liking. We’re partial to the MAC Pro Pigments—they’re easily accessible and come in a wide range of colors. Simply blend as much or as little of the pigments as you’d like (more for a more pigmented product, less for something a bit more sheer) with liquified coconut oil or shea butter, then let chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before using.

Food ColoringUsing a natural red food coloring, which you can find easily online, is another super simple way to formulate your DIY lip color. Just stir in a few drops with a solid base like cocoa butter or coconut oil and refrigerate. If you’re feeling like an artist, you can go ahead and create your own custom blend of colors for a more unique hue. The possibilities are endless.

BlushAs with pure pigments, mineral powder blush is ideal for mixing with solidified oils and butters to make a hydrating lip color with plenty of pop. Mineral powder blushes often come in loose powder form, but you can also crush up a compact blush for a similar effect.

Fruits and VegetablesOne of the most natural ways to formulate your own lip color is with ingredients like beetroot powder, which are derived from—you guessed it—fruits and vegetables. You can use pre-formulated powders and extracts or even crush up berries on your own and utilize their liquid pigments to blend with solid bases for a totally natural cosmetic result. Shailene Woodleywould approve.

Winters are brutal, and not just to our positivity: it also takes it’s toll on our beauty. If your hair is more dry, brittle and broken than it was back in October, you too have suffered from winter hair damage. But don’t fear. Winter-worn hair has plenty of cures, and while we wait for spring, our master stylists offer some brilliant haircare tips to re-beautify your locks!

To Revive Lacklustre Hair…

1. Shampoo Correctly.Most shampoos strip and then condition the hair, making dryness and damage a daily cycle. Instead, use a sulfate and paraben-free formula and swap with a co-wash, like Head and Shoulder Moisture Care Co-Wash($5), a few times a week. “You can use the co-wash on the days you don’t shampoo to cleanse and lock in moisture without using a shampoo,” says Head & Shoulders celebrity stylist Lacy Redway.

2. Get a Trim.Do you clean out your closet every season? Think of this as the way to start fresh for your hair. “The best way to combat damaged hair is to regularly trim dry ends,” says Whiteney Fonseca, a stylist at Boston-based G2O Spa+Salon. “I recommend every 6-10 weeks depending on your styling routine.” The more often you use hot tools, the more frequent your trims should be.

3. Condition, Condition, Condition!To rebuild moisture over time, add a leave-in conditioner (without damaging sulfates and parabens) to your weekly routine. “I like to always use a nourishing oil, like Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil ($56), on my mid lengths and ends to hydrate and treat the hair,” says Fonseca. “This will smooth and soften the hair, targeting dry split ends while adding shine and moisture.” Those with finer hair should wash out after 5-10 minutes while those with coarser hair can leave in all night and rinse in the morning.

To Camouflage Winter Damage…

1. Hide Split Ends Like A Pro.“Use a round bristle brush,” says Redway. “Put hairspray on the brush and then roll the brush along the top area of your hair in a circular motion all the way down to the ends of your hair.” This smooths the entire strand and, in a sense, glues the strands together.

2. Tame Baby Hairs

Hair along the forehead is the most fragile and most susceptible to breakage. “An at-home hair hack is to use a toothbrush, along with a pomade or hairspray,” says Redway. “Apply the product to the toothbrush, brush it along the baby hair and this will lay them down. If you have a little extra time, use a thick elastic headband along your hairline for added pressure and let the product set for a few minutes.”

3. Soften Breakage
“Use a small amount of a matte paste, like Oribe Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste ($36), emulsify a small amount into your hands and apply to any hair that may be standing up,” says Fonseca. This simple trick can work on any section of the hair. The key is to use less product the finer the hair.

With the constantly flip-flopping weather (please no more snow!) and chilly temps, March hasn’t exactly been doing a great job of ushering in spring. Be assured, however, that warmer days are coming—and with them, brand new beauty products to try.

It’s also the perfect time to edit your existing collection. With the changing seasons, your skin care routine is likely to be a little different and your go-to beauty look could probably use a tweak as well.

With that in mind, here are seven things you can do now to prepare your beauty stash for spring!

1. Check expiration dates.It’s a good idea to remember to do this at least twice a year—and what better time than spring? Makeup and skin care products do expire, and if you keep using it, you risk break-outs and bacterial infections. Mascara should be tossed after three months, liquid liner and concealer after six months, and lipstick, lip gloss, and foundation after one year. You should also check your moisturizer and sunscreen for an expiration date. If anything is expired, or you’re in doubt, throw it out!

2. Wash your brushes.Makeup brushes are prime breeding grounds for bacteria. If you use your brushes every day, you should be washing them every week. Of course, we’re all human and this is definitely one of those chores that tends to fall by the wayside. To combat this, make a little brush-washing station by the sink to remind you to do this more often. Stock the area with clean washcloths, a pretty jar to hold brushes, and a special cleansing solution like e.l.f. Brush Shampoo ($3).

3. Reorganize.There’s nothing like springtime to make you want to throw open your windows…and then toss everything you own out of them. Harness that energy and use it to do a deep organization of your beauty products. Once your expired products are thrown out, take an honest look at what’s left and get rid of anything that you never use. A makeup swap with friends is a great way for everyone to get rid of their gently-used products. Then have some fun with reorganizing what’s left: get creative with used candle jars, vintage teacups, pretty trays, and acrylic organizers to display your prettiest and most-used products.

4. Switch out your SPF if needed.Obviously you should toss your SPF if it’s expired, but even if it’s not, spring is a great excuse to upgrade your sunscreen. If your sunscreen is below SPF 30, makes your skin too greasy, makes you break out, has a weird smell, or just doesn’t excite you, swap it for one that makes you happy. After all, you’ll be wearing it every single day, right?

5. Update your daily moisturizer.Most of us don’t have the same skin care needs year-round. Your winter moisturizer is probably too rich for summer, so it’s a good idea to switch to one that’s lighter and contains SPF 30. Olay Professional Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30 ($41) is fantastic—hydrating yet lightweight, and never makes skin chalky-looking.

6. Think more matte.In the winter it makes sense to reach for any makeup that promises a dewy glow, but once the weather gets warmer, those products will turn your face into a puddle. Yikes. Luckily, you don’t have to throw away your usual BB or foundation—just consider adding a mattifying primer or finishing spray to your routine. NYX Matte Finish Make-Up Setting Spray ($8) is a great option that provides mattification and extends the wear of your makeup without breaking the bank.

7. Brighten up your palette.It’s been a long winter of oxblood nail polish and dark red lipstick. You may have forgotten what bright colors look like. Ease yourself into a summery mood by brightening up your makeup palette a little at a time; maybe with a coral blush or a pink nail polish. If you can’t imagine parting with your signature deep lip, switch out the dark red for an orange-red like NARS Heat Wave ($27). And don’t be afraid to experiment with eye shadow: a light sea foam eye shadow is a fresh, unexpected look that is both totally cool AND work-appropriate.

]]>http://dailymakeover.com/spring-clean-beauty-routine/feed/0spring cleaning smkellyanndougherspring cleaning8 Stunning Wedding Headpieces to Make Your Big Day Even More Memorablehttp://dailymakeover.com/wedding-headpieces/
http://dailymakeover.com/wedding-headpieces/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 17:00:01 +0000http://dailymakeover.com/?p=713355]]>There’s never an occasion more deserving of a glamorous hair accessory than your own wedding. Whether you’re wearing long, loose waves or a classic updo, a gorgeous wedding headpiece can mean the difference between a perfectly pretty look and one that truly shines. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, one of these 8 stunning options is bound to suit you, or at least guide you in the right direction.

If over-the-top glamour is your thing, it doesn’t get much better than this stunning gold-leaf comb. Better still: It’s classic enough to wear again and again, so it’s a worthy investment that won’t expire after your big day.

]]>http://dailymakeover.com/wedding-headpieces/feed/0Headpiece-BHLDNrachelkrause2014Headpiece-BHLDNHeadpiece-Free PeopleHeadpiece-Twigs and HoneyHeadpiece-Wedding BellesHeadpiece-Nasty GalHeadpiece-Jennifer BehrHeadpiece-Hair Comes the BrideHeadpiece-EtsyThe DIY Green Mask You Have to Tryhttp://dailymakeover.com/beauty-chef-green-mask/
http://dailymakeover.com/beauty-chef-green-mask/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 15:00:22 +0000http://dailymakeover.com/?p=713354]]>When it comes to natural beauty lines we love, The Beauty Chef is right up there. Their philosophy of skincare from the inside out is right up our alley—after all, you are what you eat, right? It makes sense that that applies to your skin, too.

We’ve long been interested in fermented skincare, and The Beauty Chef’s inner beauty line is all about applying those principles, not just to what you put ON your skin, but what you put IN yourself. “When you’re healthy on the inside, your skin glows on the outside. Makeup can’t replace that,” Carla Oates, aka The Beauty Chef herself, told us.

Carla also believes in skincare that is pure and simple (two things we absolutely love). She showed us how to make a refreshing, revitalizing all-natural green mask using ingredients you probably already have at home. “This mask has heaps of vitamins A, C and K which are all great for skin, as well having anti-inflammatory properties,” Carla told us. “It’s great when you feel a bit dull, or after a long weekend.”

Blend all the fresh ingredients and the ANTIOXIDANT Beauty Boost together in a medium to large blender. If you have a small bullet-style blender, split the ingredients into two or three relatively even-sized batches. Add the pectin a tablespoon at a time and blend on low speed until the mixture thickens.

Refrigerate for twenty minutes OR apply directly to freshly-washed skin. Leave the mask on for fifteen minutes (and rejoice in your green complexion), then rinse. Your skin will be glowing and fabulous!

This mask will keep for about 5 days to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray and defrost a cube whenever your complexion needs a pick-me-up. Simple and effective—just the way we like our skincare.

Beyoncé‘s understandably obsessive fan base is sure to be thrilled about their queen’s latest venture: She partnered up with manicurist Lisa Logan and NCLA to create three nail wrap designs, including the “Bey-hive” pattern. [POPSUGAR Beauty]

Victoria’s Secret model Lindsay Ellington is gearing up to launch a cosmetics line of her own this September. Wander Beauty will cater to a multi-cultural audience, so no beauty lover will be left behind. [The Fashion Spot]

You may want to take a closer look at the ingredients lists in your products and eliminate those with titanium dioxide, a toxic component that features in many sunscreens and toothpastes. [Beauty High]

To tone the body, we’re told to build stronger muscles. The act of pulsing the muscles through repetition of movement, whether through cardio, strength training or barre classes, is the only way to achieve results. Yet, to tone and lift the skin, we turn to topical treatments. Would you ever trust a topical cream that claims to help you lose weight? Not a chance! So what about facial exercises that claim to tone and tighten the face?

The idea of “facial exercises” has become really popular lately, although the trend has been disputed by many doctors and surgeons. “Working the muscles out on the face is not likely to yield results,” says Dr. Omar Ibrahimi, the medical director of Connecticut Skin Institute. “Repeated use of the muscles on the upper half of your face might actually hasten the appearance of deeper wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet and bunny lines.”

Not so, according to Cynthia Rowland, founder of Facial Magic. She claims that the key is to contract the facial muscles. When she first started her program, many doctors didn’t believe the results could possibly be from manual movements. “They were accustomed to just seeing these twists and puckers [that actually cause wrinkles]—funny faces that people would make and call it facial exercise. I teach isometric techniques that anchor the muscles, to create a contraction to lift the face. When you do that, the muscle lifts up and pulls back into the hairline, taking the skin with it.”

This is because facial muscles are attached to skin, not bone. “Because the muscles are attached directly to the skin, that oxygenated blood is forced into the tissue of the skin and all of a sudden it looks plump and juicy again. Your skin is thicker and more vibrant looking.”

Rowland’s program consists of nine progressive weeks where you add two new 35-second exercises each week, totaling 18 movements at the end of the program. Your thumbs and fingers are the only tools you need to work different muscles—the forehead, upper cheeks, the neck and chin. Rowland herself teaches each movement on a 1-hour DVD with complete instructions.

“To maintain the lift, you need to devote yourself to the program,” says Rowland. Maintenance includes performing the full set of 18 exercises 2-3 times a week.

A full commitment with manual exercises isn’t the only answer. For those who want faster results (without the homework), try a microcurrent facial. New York-based esthetician Ildi Pekar uses the $250 facial as her go-to when she’s prepping her celeb clients, like Miranda Kerr, for the red carpet.

“Microcurrent is a form of electricity,” says Pekar. “This method works with our body to stimulate over 35 different muscles in your face, helping to tone and strengthen your skin. This will eliminate excess water, toxins, and fat, leaving your skin firmer, smoother, tighter and vibrant.” The treatment also helps to rejuvenate muscle tissue, promote cell metabolism and the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin. However, the results only last up to two days.

To get the most out of microcurrent, aesthetician Shellie Goldstein incorporates acupuncture in her trademarked AcuFacial, available in New York. “Acupuncture on its own tightens the muscles,” claims Goldstein. “With the acupuncture we are treating internally by regulating the body, helping to relax the body and strengthening different systems like digestion or hormones.” This regulation, of course, prevents more pronounced aging and dulling of the skin. “Then when we use the microcurrent, we exercise each muscle of expression [ex: puckering of the lips, squinting of the eyebrows—habitual movements]. Muscles that you want to tighten, you use the microcurrent one way, muscles that you want to relax, you use it another way. With the microcurrent and acupuncture, we can manually change the muscles of expression. We call it taking your face to the gym.” Results can last up to a few weeks.

However, it’s important to note that muscle isn’t the only factor to consider. “Studies using CT and MRI imaging conclude that we lose some volume (both bone and fat) and that the fat we keep tends to descend down our face, such that a triangular shaped face with high cheek bones becomes more of a pyramid over time,” says Dr. Thomas Sterry, a NYC board certified plastic surgeon. While muscle sculpting will help with toning the face, it won’t restore fat or volume. Fillers are, at this moment, the only solution.